Bau und Wohnung included Le Corbusier’s German-language article “Fünf Punkte
auf einer Neuen Architektur” (Five Points of New Architecture), which introduced
the architectural and structural principles of his exhibition buildings Nos. 13 and 14:
the columns, roof gardens, open plan spaces, the ribbon window and curtain walls.^309
Gropius’ article was at least equally interesting. “Wege zur Fabrikatorischen Hausher-
stellung” (Ways to Industrial House Production) introduced building No. 16, which
had been built using a semi-dry method, and building No. 17 which had been built
using the fully dry method purely by installing prefabricated elements.^310 The special
value of these articles lies in their practical approach, discussing real buildings, instead
of focusing purely on theory. The illustrations include high-quality photographs both
from the inside and the outside and clearly presented drawings. In my understanding,
it was precisely this type of high-standard material that guided Aalto’s theory forma-
tion and work.
309 Le Corbusier 1992 [1927], pp. 27–37.
310 Walter Gropius explained the principles of prefabricated houses in conjunction with the buildings he designed
for the Weissenhof Siedlung exhibition. The house installed using the dry method was constructed in situ without
any casting work. With a semi-dry method, Gropius referred to a method in which some of the construction work,
mainly casting, was carried out in situ. Gropius 1992 [1927], pp. 59–67.Fig. 2.2a. Villa Stein-de Monzie in Vancresson designed by Le Corbusier and Pierre
Jeanneret and built 1926–1927. Photographer Aino Aalto, 1928. Photo No. 106600. AAM.